In the aftermath of February’s devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, Turkish Christians have been showing God’s love to survivors of the catastrophe. One moving example are the members of İzmir Işık Church in the west of Türkiye, who drove 14 hours east to cook meals, distribute clothes, and spend time with those impacted by the earthquakes in Antakya.

Three weeks have passed since two disastrous earthquakes struck south-eastern Türkiye and a week since two major aftershocks. Throughout this time, SAT-7 TÜRK has been a vital resource for its viewers, especially women and children, by providing spiritual, psychological, and practical support and encouragement.

On Friday, 17 February, a team from SAT-7 TÜRK went to the area affected by the disastrous earthquake on 6 February to inform Turkish-speaking Christian viewers in Türkiye and around the world regarding the physical and mental status of people in the area and to document the latest status of the Christian cultural heritage.

Pastor Vahan İsaoğlu, the presenter of the SAT-7 TÜRK program Behind the Veil, experienced as a young boy the huge earthquake in Türkiye in 1999. He is using this experience to give spiritual support to others following the disaster of 6 February.

“Our job right now is communication. Following this earthquake we have learned that communication is very important.”

In response to the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria that have claimed the lives of thousands, George Makeen, Executive Director of SAT-7 Arabic Channels, offers this reflection on hope in times of chaos.

“We are in prayer every moment because we know our help will come from the almighty God. That’s why we are begging everyone to pray to our God for us,” says Melih Ekener, SAT-7 TÜRK Executive Director.

Staff at SAT-7’s Turkish TV studios are deeply shocked and request prayer for their country following this morning’s two massive earthquakes.